Build the outfit #1

As I was getting ready to go out on Saturday night I really wanted to wear these fabulous sandals (which my boyfriend calls stripper shoes - I don’t care, I’ll wear them anyway) and realized that I had only one garment that really went with them - a dress I’d worn last Saturday! How did this happen? So, inspired by Manolo The Shoeblogger’s build the outfit contests I am going to start from the ground up for a change and make a few things to go with the shoes.

My thought is that these are pretty sexy shoes and need something clean, simple and not too bare to keep me from looking like a working girl. What I’ve come up with so far:

Item #1 - White shirtdress: The first one is perfect, the second needs to be a few inches longer

A great pattern to start with is this Threads for Simplicity pattern that I had forgotten was in my stash!

Item #2 - White knee length skirt: LOVE!

Item #3 - White skinny bermuda shorts: LOVE! A definite must-have!

Item #4 - Sundress: the first one would be perfect if it were a few inches longer, the second one has a nice shape but I wouldn’t add the girly details

This forgotten New Look pattern is the perfect base for a sundress! I’ll probably use the strapless version and add tiny spaghetti straps for wearing ease.

Another style that I think is absolutely perfect for these shoes is this Hot Patterns Plain & Simple Iconic Shirtdress. I think this would look fabulous in red because a clingy white knit dress is certainly out of the question!

What do you think? I welcome any and all input!

Does it count if I used my sewing skills?

Sadly, there has been no sewing this weekend as I was bound and determined to get my backsplash tile installed. I’ve had the tile for about a month already and had promised my husband last week that I would hire someone to do the job. But, true to form, I dropped him and my son off at the airport yesterday morning (father/son ski trip) and headed right to Home Depot. This is my first real tile job and I was surprised at how easy it was. Of course, I think we sewers have an advantage because we are good at measuring and fitting things together. The wet saw made me a tiny bit nervous at first but I quickly got the hang of it. As you can see, I had a lot of cuts to make - I only made one error! I guess we sewers are so used to analyzing the pieces of the puzzle, so to speak, that this was a piece of cake.

Today, I will seal the tile and tomorrow I’ll grout (ugh). Then I just have to seal again and reinstall the crown moulding at the tops of the cabinets before having the hood installed (that’s the wiring you see in the photo). I’ll work on the Cha Cha Cha Dress this evening if I’m not too tired.

I really need to improve the view outside my kitchen window!

Happy Holidays

I have spent the last few days decorating the inside of my house. Christmas decorations always cheer me up so now I can enjoy them for the next 5 or 6 weeks. I won’t be decorating the outside this year (aside from door wreaths and poinsettias) as, 13 months after hurricane Wilma, they will finally be starting on my new roof this week! I can finally say goodbye to buckets, leaks and ceiling stains and will gladly put up with the mess and the noise.

BTW, I made the Hot Patterns Cosmopolitan Dress on Thanksgiving and it is FABULOUS! I will post some pics and a review as soon as I’m able. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season - hopefully, I will be back with you shortly.

On hiatus

Hello dear readers,
I am going through a very difficult personal time right now and need to take some time off. I hope you understand. I may pop up now and again on TheSewingDivas - must keep up my end you see.

Since so many of you have asked, it looks like my son’s liver problems are clearing up and he does not have hepatitis - thank heavens! The doctor feels that he had viral mononucleosis which was not caught at the student health center in Tallahassee. We are thankful that he is feeling much better and will soon be his old self. Thank you all for your kind words and well wishes.

Patience, please!

I feel so bad that I have had absolutely no time to post here or at The Sewing Divas since last week. I have become extremely busy with work and my house remodel. Also, my son has been sick for the past month and drove home this past Friday so I’ve been taking care of him as well. We spent the better part of today at the doctor’s office and lab to find out what is wrong with him. He thinks he has mono but I think he is just suffering from a little Freshman Depression. Let’s face it, no matter how independent, mature and well-adjusted you are, it’s tough starting a whole new life in a new city. I was shocked when he said he was very homesick - none of us expected that from him. He’s going home tomorrow but will be flying back next Friday for 10 days over Thanksgiving and then he’ll have a long Christmas break soon thereafter. I suspect he’ll have a whole new outlook once he goes back to school in January. So, hang in there ladies, I’ll be back shortly!

A A A D D

Well, finally, there’s a name for my affliction: Age Activated Attention
Deficit Disorder. Yes, I have it. Last week, I had lunch with my friend Vivian and was telling her that I have to write everything down and make lots of lists - otherwise, the day goes by without my accomplishing anything I’d set out to do. This morning she sent me an email explaining the proper name for my disease: AAADD.

The email came at just the right moment too. But first, a little background: I received a $100 gift card for Home Depot this week. I’m a chronic DIYer and spend an awful lot of time and money there. I’ve been wanting to upgrade my wonderful 14.4V Ryobi drill with their new 18V One+ drill. The 18V One+ battery fits a myriad of tools: circular saws, jig saws, routers, reciprocating saws and more. I’ve been lusting after it for about a month but figured I’d just put it on my Christmas list. Well, since I’m famous for losing/misplacing gift cards I figured I’d better rush right over to Home Depot this morning and spend that sucker!

I immediately went to the tool department and grabbed the drill/flashlight combo pack (which comes in a nifty suitcase) and, seeing the fabulous right-angle drill, grab that as well. Hey, I’m in a mood to splurge! I pick up a few other things on my list, wait in line, pay, get in my car and drive home. When I get home I realize that I failed to use my gift card. Then I received the email. Apparently, pinning notes to my shirt is the next step.

Hallo Strand!

I’m headed to the beach for a few days’ R&R. Just an excuse to lay around, read, sip umbrella drinks and nap, really. See you when I get back!

Happy Day!

My baby is coming home from college today and I’m so excited! I haven’t seen him in over a month, since Labor Day weekend. After this visit I won’t see him again until Thanksgiving. He’s bringing home the bar stools from his apartment so that I can reupholster them. Fun, huh? At least I stopped him from bringing home all the dining chairs as well! I guess I know what I’ll be doing over the Thanksgiving break…..

I miss you too!

I’ve received so many nice messages and emails after my recent departure from an online sewing community (which shall remain nameless). I am so touched by your support and, yes, I do miss so many of you! However, after a year of unpleasantries, this latest incident was simply the final straw for me. I cannot continue to support a site whose owner condones that sort of behaviour and hope you understand that I had to move on.

On a more positive note, I’ve been hanging out at Stitcher’s Guild (link on the sidebar) when I’m feeling chatty. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Wow, I’m honored!

Fellow Sewing Diva Mary Beth found this article about top sewing sites on the web today: Ten Best Sewing Blogs

I was thrilled that the Sewing Divas were mentioned and about fell out of my chair to see my personal blog mentioned. Needless to say, this has made my day.